SWHW Bible Reading Plan: September 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Michelle Myers:

This passage is a perfect example of why we can't read God's Word simply looking for ourselves. Don't get me wrong: the Bible is first spiritual, and it's also practical. It contains everything we really need to know.

But here's the difference: Scripture is written for us, but it's about God. We must remember that as we read.

So if we approach a text like the two chapters we read today and simply look for some words of encouragement or some easily seen action step, we'd likely walk away confused, wondering if we were supposed to build a temple or make a sacrifice.

But there really is so much more here if we consider the big picture of the vision Ezekiel received from God. The Israelites just saw their temple (and really, their nation) destroyed. There were no plans or means to rebuild. They were afraid and devastated. 

And here, Ezekiel's vision was a picture of hope. 

What you and I see as merely detail and descriptions were real words and imagery the Israelites understood as masterful craftsmanship that put the Lord's glory on clear display to anyone who saw it.

The sacrifices that we see as dated and strange represented worship, God's presence, and walking in obedience. And while Jesus was the final sacrifice that satisfied the wrath of God so we no longer observe these practices today, we do still need the reminder that worship is serious business. It's not something we should take lightly. 

We live in a world that is uncomfortable with God's holiness. And that's really what the majority of these two chapters are about: His holiness. Because of Jesus, we don't have to be afraid of God, but we do need to be intentional to remain in awe of Him for who He is and what He has done.

Again, see the big picture. God is more holy than we will ever be able to comprehend this side of heaven, and as the temple represents His dwelling place, it also shows His desire to be with us.

Most of the time, we see God easiest in one of two ways. We either realize His vastness, His greatness, and His splendor to the point where we question whether or not we really can have a personal relationship with Him. Or we go to the other extreme, realizing the potential for a real relationship, but we dismiss His holiness, almost humanizing Him to see God as only slightly bigger than we are. 

And the truth is: He is both. Really think about that for a moment-- God is powerful enough to create the whole world in mere days, and He's also close enough to be with you as you read these words right now. 

Last thing: this vision may be figurative, but it doesn't mean it's not real. One day, because of Jesus and our belief in Him, we will be with God forever in heaven. 

The reality of God's holiness is not separate from the hope we have in Jesus.  God's holiness is why we can have confident hope in Christ. Read these words, be in awe of God, and get excited about what your future holds. 

God, thank You for giving us hope. We will never fully understand Your holiness, and we'll definitely never understand why You sacrificed Your Son to save sinners because You love us that much, but we believe it. We believe it, we trust You, and we are so grateful for Your grace and mercy. Help us to live in awe of who You are and walk with You closer each day. We love You. Amen.